African American History Month

Black History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by black Americans and a time for recognizing the central role of African Americans in U.S. history. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month. Other countries around the world, including Canada and the United Kingdom, also devote a month to celebrating black history.

The purpose of Black History Month is to promote awareness of African American history to the general public.

Events during African American History Month…

Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Choir Sunday, February 19, 2:30pm

Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center, 10301 Scripps Lake Drive

Free, donations greatly appreciated

The Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Choir San Diego, popularly known as the MLK Choir, will perform on Sunday, February 19th, at 2:30 pm at the Scripps Miramar Ranch Library Center. Under the direction of Pastor Ken Anderson, this accomplished ensemble will perform a varied program from their repertoire of gospel music, negro spirituals, anthems, and classical works.

This concert of inspirational and uplifting music, presented in honor of Black History Month, is part of the monthly “Pleasure of Your Company” music series sponsored by the Scripps Ranch Friends of the Library.

Heritage Weekend Celebration Friday, February 24 – Sunday, February 26

Friday 7-10pm: Heritage Ambassadors Award Gala - $25

4166 National Ave.

The weekend will begin with a premier Heritage Awards Gala Affair which will coincide with the culmination of Black History Month and  the beginning of the San Diego Heritage weekend celebration.

The Gala  will take place at Nu-Way I.C.M. on Friday February 24, 2012 from 6:30pm  – 9:30pm. The evening will  feature a soulful dinner and reception with a program to highlight sponsors and vendors  of the Heritage International Marketplace.  There will also be a presentation of the San Diego Heritage Ambassadors  Court, and the 2012 Carter G. Woodson & Multi-Cultural Bridge Award recipients

Saturday 10am-4pm: Heritage Day Festival and Parade – Free

4777 Imperial Ave.

At 10am., the parade commences at Abraham Lincoln H.S. Due to the challenges met by inherent weather conditions the Parade and Festival has changed its venue from the streets of San Diego to the Lincoln H.S. site where marching parade participants will be judged, dignitaries and honorees will be acknowledged.

The parade features two-minute presentations from over 60 parade entrants such as:  Lincoln High School Band and Drill, Dominques H.S. Band and Drill (Los Angeles),  the San Diego Buffalo Soldiers, and the Jackie Robinson YMCA, and Ballet Folklorico.

Sunday 10:30am-1:30pm: Heritage Celebration Service – Free

4166 National Ave.

For the African American community the church has not only offered a place of worship and spiritual guidance, but  also served as a forum to work for civil rights, social justice, community benevolence and improvement. It facilitated organized philanthropic efforts including educational, health and basic humanitarian needs thus the church being a very important piece of the African American Heritage.

February is also Museum Month in San Diego!